Amnesty International: probe “kamit” use in Georgia, impose police equipment embargo on the country

Amnesty International on “kamit” use in Georgia

The international human rights organization Amnesty International has called for an independent international investigation into the findings of a BBC report, which alleges that the Georgian authorities used the World War I-era chemical “kamit” to suppress anti-government protests at the end of 2024.

Amnesty International also demands that international partners impose a full embargo on the supply of police equipment to the country as long as the ruling Georgian Dream party remains in power.

BBC finds Georgian authorities may have used WWI-era chemicals against protesters

“It felt like the water was burning,” bbc quotes one protester hit by a water cannon

The organization criticizes the charges of “hostile activity” brought by the Georgian security service against experts, witnesses, and human rights defenders who participated as BBC respondents, documented injuries, analyzed medical reports, or publicly commented on the possible use of toxic chemical agents.

“Following the BBC broadcast, experts, witnesses and human rights defenders who shared information were summoned for questioning by the SSG, including under procedures typically used for serious criminal cases. The authorities alleged that their testimonies may amount to a criminal offence, by harming Georgia’s national interests and reputation.

By branding the sharing of information with journalists as ‘hostile activity’ and summoning and casting experts, civil society groups, and victims as threats to ‘state interests,’ the authorities are undermining the integrity of the investigation and creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression,” said Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

“The regime is poisoning us!” — thousands march in Tbilisi demanding an international investigation. Photos&video

March against the alleged use of the World War I-era chemical “kamit” on protesters. Participants said the security service’s comments only reinforced their suspicions

Intimidation of experts and witnesses […] makes an independent international investigation absolutely necessary, the organization says.

“Georgia’s international partners must adopt robust measures, including a compete embargo on transfers of law enforcement equipment and weapons used against protesters.

States must ensure that equipment capable of causing harm is not supplied to a government that has already violated basic human rights,” Denis Krivosheev said.

News in Georgia